Summary
Lactate from muscle is converted to glucose in the liver and returned, costing net ATP.
In depth
Lactate from muscle goes to the liver, is converted to glucose via gluconeogenesis (costing 6 ATP) and returns to muscle. It shifts the metabolic burden from muscle to liver.
It moves lactate from muscle to liver, allowing continued anaerobic glycolysis in muscle during intense exercise. The liver pays the energy cost.
Example: it helps maintain blood glucose during sprinting.
The Cori cycle, named after Carl and Gerty Cori, links muscle and liver. During intense work, muscle makes lactate by anaerobic glycolysis, and lactate travels in blood to the liver, where it is converted to pyruvate and then to glucose by gluconeogenesis. The glucose returns to the muscle to be used or stored as glycogen.
The cycle costs the liver 6 ATP to make a glucose that gives only 2 ATP in muscle, so it is net energy-expensive, but it prevents lactate building up and shifts the metabolic burden from muscle to the liver, which has aerobic capacity. It also supports blood glucose.
Key idea: different organs cooperate in metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cori Cycle?
Lactate from muscle is converted to glucose in the liver and returned, costing net ATP.
Which area of biology covers Cori Cycle, and how advanced is it?
Cori Cycle is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Protein Catabolism, Lactic Acid Fermentation, Gluconeogenesis.
Why does Cori Cycle matter?
It also explains recovery after exercise, along with oxygen debt.
Can you give an example of Cori Cycle?
It explains why exercise raises blood lactate and liver activity.
What should I learn before Cori Cycle?
Work through the Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics first, such as Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP, then return to Cori Cycle. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Cori Cycle?
The closest topics to Cori Cycle are Protein Catabolism, Lactic Acid Fermentation, Gluconeogenesis, Oxygen Debt and Recovery. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Cori Cycle?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cori Cycle. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Cori Cycle different from Protein Catabolism?
Cori Cycle: Lactate from muscle is converted to glucose in the liver and returned, costing net ATP. Protein Catabolism: Amino acids are deaminated and their carbon skeletons enter respiration, with nitrogen excreted as urea. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Cori Cycle step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Protein Catabolism and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.